Robbers Kill Man Who Cashed Check

December 15, 1985

A West Side man, trying to protect cash that he had just received from his public-aid check, was shot and killed Friday in a struggle with two robbers, police said. Rufus Dassey, 48, of 200 N. Central Ave., died after being shot as he was returning to his apartment, said detective Jerry Bogucki of the Grand Central police violent crimes unit. Bogucki said Dassey had just cashed his public-aid check at a currency exchange when he was set upon by two young men in the front hallway of his building. Dassey refused to give up his $179 and was shot in the chest in a struggle, Bogucki said. Dassey died in West Suburban Hospital Medical Center, Oak Park.